Gilbert has been carving since 1995. He has worked with Beau Dick, Bruce Alfred, Sam Shaughnessy, Don Svanvyc, Joe Pederson and Joe Wilson. He has also immersed himself in the Kwakwala language and has learned more than 75 ceremonial songs. Gilbert is the nephew of jewellery carver, John Lancaster. In July of 2001, he carved many masks for a potlatch hosted by James Speck. Gilbert holds Wolf, Sun and Sisiutl as his crests.